PLEASEPLEASE HELP!!! cruising out of san juan questions!!!

[aprilmay85]

hey there!! we are planning on taking a honeymoon cruise out of san juan next september...got a few questions..how far is it from the san juan airport to the cruise port in a taxi?? and how much for the taxi ride?? also...if we slew in the day before we set sail...what hotel would you recommend thats lcose to cruise port & inexpensive?!?! last question...how is the weather at the end of september?? we have been on 4 cruises but NEVER out of san juan....I cant wait!!! getting married on the FREEDOM in 3 months!!!! hope to hear from yall soon!!! thank you!!!

[greenscooter]

The port you depart from depends on the cruise lines : Royal Caribbean & Princess leave from the Pan American Pier which is not within walking distance of anything. Carnival leaves from Old San Juan. It doesn't really matter -- taxis are waiting in lines from the airport & fares are pretty standard: $19-22 unless you find somebody to share the fare with you. The fares to the hotels are within that range as well. Hotels are overpriced in San Juan so, keep that in mind when deciding on where to stay -- You won't get American standards for their star-rating. Also, keep in mind that "resort & casino" hotels charge additional fees as well as resort tax on top of the price quoted. The Condado area is unfortunately not as nice as it once was. During our stay in 2009, we noticed the area looked to be on the decline -- old buildings, trash, and buildings with graffiti & plywood. And, the beaches are okay but not great. I would recommend El Convento in Old San Juan if this is your first visit; otherwise, you may want to consider staying elsewhere in Puerto Rico for a few days before leaving for your cruise. Have fun & enjoy ......

[greenscooter]

The port you depart from depends on the cruise lines : Royal Caribbean & Princess leave from the Pan American Pier which is not within walking distance of anything. Carnival leaves from Old San Juan. It doesn't really matter -- taxis are waiting in lines from the airport & fares are pretty standard: $19-22 unless you find somebody to share the fare with you. The fares to the hotels are within that range as well. Hotels are overpriced in San Juan so, keep that in mind when deciding on where to stay -- You won't get American standards for their star-rating. Also, keep in mind that "resort & casino" hotels charge additional fees as well as resort tax on top of the price quoted. The Condado area is unfortunately not as nice as it once was. During our stay in 2009, we noticed the area looked to be on the decline -- old buildings, trash, and buildings with graffiti & plywood. And, the beaches are okay but not great. I would recommend El Convento in Old San Juan if this is your first visit; otherwise, you may want to consider staying elsewhere in Puerto Rico for a few days before leaving for your cruise. Have fun & enjoy ......

[Kikkycat]

Greenscooter is on target, but in case you're cruising with Celebrity, they didn't include them in their info, and Celebrity sails from the Pan American pier in addition to Royal Caribbean and Princess.

 

Many cruisers get good deals on nice hotels on Priceline. We bid "resort" level three times and all three times got the Intercontinental. The prices varied each time, but for January or February in warm Puerto Rico it was a very good deal! There are only five resorts in San Juan, so if you limit your bid to that you'll get either the Intercontinental, the El San Juan, Hilton Caribe, Marriott Stellaris or one other whose name escapes me right this minute. All are very nice properties on a beach - a great way to start a honeymoon!

 

Congrats!

[Kikkycat]

Greenscooter is on target, but in case you're cruising with Celebrity, they didn't include them in their info, and Celebrity sails from the Pan American pier in addition to Royal Caribbean and Princess.

 

Many cruisers get good deals on nice hotels on Priceline. We bid "resort" level three times and all three times got the Intercontinental. The prices varied each time, but for January or February in warm Puerto Rico it was a very good deal! There are only five resorts in San Juan, so if you limit your bid to that you'll get either the Intercontinental, the El San Juan, Hilton Caribe, Marriott Stellaris or one other whose name escapes me right this minute. All are very nice properties on a beach - a great way to start a honeymoon!

 

Congrats!